"THE fight to ban factory farming from the doorstep of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's childhood home gathered force this week as environment guardians and public closed ranks," reported the Gazette and Reporter 25 years ago.

"Outraged by proposals to site two 14,000 sq ft poultry houses in a valley at Hope End, Wellington Heath, local people have been drawing up their battle lines.

"Fears about noise from heavy lorries thundering along narrow country lanes to deliver birds to the 500,000 chicken complex have prompted a flood of letters and complaints to Malvern Hills District Council.

"And there is anxiety about smell from droppings when the chickens are cleaned out, as well as concerns over possible pollution of water supplies in the area.

Mr Marcus Allen, Colwall parish councillor, said there was strong opposition to the scheme, proposed by local entrepreneur Mr Christopher Lister in mconjunction with Sun Valley of Hereford.

"Malvern Hills Conservator Irene Southall says the buildings would be an eyesore clearly seen from the top of Oyster Hill.

" 'The Which consumer organisation published a book at the end of last year listing the best walks in the country. It includes walks in the Hope End vicinity, where the views influenced such literary figures as Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Langland and W H Auden.

" 'This factory farm would fall inside an area designated for its outstanding natural beauty and as such is quite unsuitable,' she said.

"The Friends of Malvern Hills, the local Ramblers' Association and Footpath Association are also protesting to the council."